BOISE, Idaho — A historic win for Mexicans all around the world came as Claudia Sheinbaum made history by becoming the first woman elected president in the nation's 200-year history.
"It is time for us to understand that women can do it too," Caldwell resident Irma Rodriguez said.
For Mexico, it’s a presidency like no other, and a role many countries are not accustomed to seeing women in.
"In Mexico, voting began in the 50s. Before, women were not given a voice or vote," Greenleaf resident Alberto Mitra said. "They just want it for the house and to raise children."
Sheinbaum is now breaking down those barriers as the presidential winner with a six-year term starting Oct. 1.
"I feel super proud finally," Rodriguez said. "I hope she has all her plans and goals that she has."
The 61-year-old Sheinbaum is the former Mexico City mayor, representing the left-wing political party also known as Morena.
"Claudia Sheinbaum has done an excellent job in Mexico City, now it's her turn to lead an entire country," Mitra said. "But he who can govern Mexico City can govern the world."
Her victory came at the hands of voters across the globe, including here in the Gem State. Mexican voters covered almost every part of Idaho, stretching as far as Hailey, where Carrillo Mendez resides.
"I feel very happy for having voted since here in the United States, we had not been given this opportunity," Mendez said.
Some local voters voiced concerns on the process to vote, claiming they never received their absentee ballot, while others said it was hard to reach the consulate. Some voters said it was as easy as a simple click on their phones.
"They send you a code to be able to enter that page and be able to vote,” Rodriguez said.
With new beginnings, Mexicans are hopeful for change with big topics like medical care and senior pensions.
"We have the opportunity that when we get there, there will be better health insurance and we will have a decent pension,” Mitra said.
Amid violence in the country, safety was also a big topic of interest.
"I hope she has all her plans and goals that we support her as she says, 'she is not alone.' We are all women, from mother to daughter to grandma," Rodriguez said. "I hope she makes a change because it has been seen."
Until then, Mexicans worldwide are celebrating this new victory.
KTVB reached out to the Mexican Consulate in Boise, who responded with a statement in Spanish that translates to, "at this time, no public servant or entity of the government of Mexico can provide information in this regard."
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